The February 28th ThinkTech-Hawaii Venture Capital Association luncheon panel program will deal with transportation in Hawaii, a subject which is extremely complex and politically sensitive but which has a profound effect on our economy and our quality of life, whether we realize it or not. It’s time we understood it better.

The program is entitled “Transportation in Hawaii, how are we getting around these days,” and will cover what works and what doesn't, and the issues and opportunities in play.

Hawaii is a state of islands separated by great distances and diversities. Statewide, and island-by-island, our transportation has its challenges. How well are we meeting them?

As the 21st century unfolds it's more and more important that we get around quickly, easily and inexpensively. Not only to live, work, learn and play, but for everything. In short, getting around is essential for us to hold our economy together.

We'll have panelists on the evolution of cars and congestion, mass transit, complete streets and the biking alternative, air and sea travel among the islands and city and state plans to improve the systems that were developed before.

Cheryl Soon is our moderator for this important program. The panel will include Dave Rolph on cars, Tim Dick on interisland ferry transportation, Brian Gibson on OMPO, Cliff Slater on the status of rail, Panos Prevedouros on new transportation technologies, and Chad Taniguchi on bicycles and Complete Streets. We also hope to have some legislators who sit on the transportation committees.

The luncheon and panel discussion will be on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Plaza Club, 900 Fort Street Mall, 20th Floor. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start at noon. Register at hvca.org or call Gail at 382-4638. Space is limited, so sign up early.

Our sponsors are Hawaii Business Magazine, Pacific New Media and the accounting firm of KMH, LLP.